Watermelon is a centuries-old fruit that is juicy and sweet, and many view it as a perfect treat to quench your thirst during the summer heat. With bright red flesh and little seeds embedded throughout watermelon is packed Source with a plethora of nutrients and antioxidants that include vitamins A and C.
Disease-fighting antioxidants in watermelon like lycopene and cucurbitacin E, may help protect you from diseases such as cancer or diabetes. Lycopene also gives watermelon its red color.
Due to the high demand for watermelons in summer, sellers use Erythrosine, the most toxic dye used for artificially colored food items, leading to public health concerns. Erythrosine is an artificial red organic agent that provides a watermelon-red color and is widely used as a color additive.
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has shared a detailed video on how to detect Adulterants in watermelon. To detect this, cut the watermelon into two halves and dab a cotton ball or tissue on the pulp. If the cotton ball turns red it means that the fruit has been adulterated with chemical dye. If the cotton ball attains no color, then it is safe for consumption.
The Government has banned the addition of this dangerous chemical color to any fruit. A study on the effect of erythrosine on zebrafish embryo development found that long-term use of this dye can alter childhood behavior, and thyroid function among other critical complications.
Dr. Yogesh Arul, MBBS and MD Medicine, took to Instagram and shared the awareness to check the fruit before consumption. The harmful chemical agents are used to increase the shelf life of fruits.
Testing watermelon for adulteration with Erythrosine color is a process aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of the fruit, in compliance with the regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Eating such chemically injected watermelons for a long time can have adverse effects on health.
The 2019 study titled "Toxic effects of food colorants erythrosine and tartrazine on zebrafish embryo development" by researchers at Daulat Ram College and Sanskrit Foundation said that, "A higher intake of erythrosine and tartrazine is shown to exhibit adverse effects in mammalian models, and is thus a matter of public health concern".
Here are some of the best practices to keep in mind while purchasing Watermelons:
Look for a pale yellow patch on watermelon. This is generally at the spot where the watermelon was lying on the ground. This hints watermelon ripened on the vine.
Look for a uniform shape and symmetrical appearance of watermelons.
Pay attention to the tail of the watermelon. If it is dry and of dark black or brown colour then it has naturally ripened. Adulterated watermelons may have a green stalk.
Look for any injection or puncture marks on the watermelon.
Do not buy watermelons or any fruits during the off-season.
Input from various sources
(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey)